Clinical Psychology

Doctor of Philosophy

The clinical psychology program in the Department of Psychology at Western Michigan University is designed to provide broad clinical training utilizing a scientist-practitioner model. Graduates from this program are competent to function in a variety of professional roles including research, practice and college teaching. The balance of research and practice is obtained in part by practicum and research training within an on-site clinic, as well as practical experience in community agencies and research activities within faculty members’ independent laboratories. The program is approved by the American Psychological Association.

The curriculum requirements are structured according to the scientist-practitioner model as well. The orientation of the program is decidedly behavioral with an emphasis on empirical research and empirically supported practice. All students are exposed to the broad content areas of the field.

A master's degree is earned in the process of earning a Ph.D.; however, all students will be permitted to complete the requirements for the doctorate only insofar as their performance merits continuance in the program. The program is planned as a six year curriculum with the sixth year comprising the doctoral internship.

The Ph.D. program requires successful completion of 96 credit hours of academic work including practica, internship, advanced doctoral coursework, a comprehensive examination, a thesis and a dissertation. Ph.D. students must finish a 750-hour pre-masters practicum, a 500-hour post-masters practicum and a 2000-hour pre-doctoral internship in a healthcare setting.

Financial support

All admitted students receive a commitment of financial support in the form of an assistantship for the first three years of the program. Financial support for additional years is not guaranteed but is frequently available. Students are also encouraged to apply for the following programs: Graduate College fellowships, and Thurgood Marshall Awards or King/Chavez/Parks Fellowships for members of underrepresented groups.

Our philosophy

The clinical psychology program is dedicated to preparing competent intervention oriented clinical psychologists. Our training program has a behavioral orientation and operates according to the scientist-practitioner model. Doctoral-level graduates are prepared to function in professional roles that involve teaching, research, administration and direct clinical service. Recent graduates have typically taken academic faculty positions, faculty and post-doctoral positions at university based medical centers, and private practice positions. Students work closely with faculty and other clinical psychologists throughout their training.

The clinical psychology faculty is committed to making the educational experience a positive one for everyone involved. Every effort is made to meet the legitimate needs of students, including those with special requirements.

Applicants with criminal convictions should be aware that felony convictions will likely make it difficult for you to complete the external agency training experiences (i.e., external practicum, internship) required for the Ph.D. If you are unable to obtain and complete these required experiences, you will not be able to complete your program of study and graduate. In addition, be aware that you may not be eligible for relicense by the State of Michigan Board of Psychology or the boards of other states. The Michigan Board of Psychology has indicated on their Web page that applicants who have been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor will be reviewed on an individual basis and that they take into consideration the type of conviction, the age at the time of the incident and the time elapsed since the conviction. Thus, it is also possible that future employment would be limited.

Your application will be reviewed only if your file is complete by the application deadline.

The faculty seeks qualified students for training in the Doctor of Philosophy program and especially encourage members of historically underrepresented groups including ethnic and racial minorities, and people with disabilities to apply.